Theme 2

The unsustainability of the current agro-food systems is a major concern. These systems have contributed to climate change, produce greenhouse gases and other pollutants, are largely dependent on fossil energy, are a major consumer of drinking water, have led to loss of arable land and fertility, have caused erosion of biodiversity, have produced health risks, have generated social and territorial disparities, and have led to unequal availability of food.

Alternative views and approaches to sustainable agro-food systems and food chains have been developed and are being experimented within Europe and elsewhere.